442 HISTORY OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. 



quickly solved that difficulty. Donald was accordingly 

 ordered to Borradale, and a proud moment it must have 

 been for that staunch Jacobite when he was asked to take 

 charge of his Prince. They met in a wood at Borradale. 

 "Are you Donald Macleod of Gualtergill ?" asked Charles. 

 " I am the same man, may it please your Majesty, at your 

 service," was the reply. "What is your pleasure with me?" 

 " You see, Donald," said Charles, " I am in distress. I 

 therefore throw myself into your bosom and let you do 

 with me what you like. I hear you are an honest man 

 and fit to be trusted." In these words, we see some expla- 

 nation of the hold which Prince Charlie possessed over the 

 affections of the Highlanders with whom he came in con- 

 tact. A prince who threw himself^ unreservedly on their 

 protection had no reason to fear the result. Donald 

 Macleod, from that moment, would have died a hundred 

 deaths rather than betray his trust. 



Charles seems to have clung to the belief that Macleod 

 of Harris and Macdonald of Sleat were still his friends, 

 notwithstanding all that had passed. He asked Donald 

 Macleod to take letters from him to the two chiefs. 

 Donald's astonishment was profound. " Anything but 

 that," was his reply. " Is your Majesty not aware that 

 these very chiefs are at this moment searching for you, 

 in order to deliver you up to the Government ? " The 

 Prince was with difficulty dissuaded from his purpose. 

 He was sure that had it not been for President Forbes, 

 both chiefs would have drawn the sword for him. 



Meanwhile, ships of war were scouring the west coast 

 in search of the fugitive. It was suspected that the Prince 

 would make for the Outer Hebrides. What more likely 

 place of refuge than the remote Island of St. Kilda ? Off 

 posted Major-General Campbell* with a large body of 

 men to St. Kilda, feeling sure he was on the right track. 

 But disappointment awaited him. The poor natives of 

 the island, appalled by the sight of such a formidable force, 



* John Campbell of Mamore, afterwards fourth Duke of Argyl 



